Rusty Whitener in his new book, "A Season of Miracles" Book One in the A Season Of series published by Kregel Publications brings us into the life of Zack Ross.

From the back cover: Looking back on the 1971 Little League season, Zack Ross relives the summer that changed his life...Gunning for the championship is all that matters until twelve-year-old Zack meets Rafer, a boy whose differences make him an outcast but whose abilities on the baseball field make him the key to victory. Admired for his contribution to the team, Rafer turns everyone's expectations upside down, bestowing a gift on Zack and his teammates that forces them to think, is there more to life than winning or losing? And what is this thing called grace?

Anyone remember the old television series, "The Wonder Years"? Zack Ross reminds me of the lead character from that show, maybe because Zack narrates the whole story of "A Season Of Miracles". Yes, this is a story about baseball, no denying it. However, you do not have to like baseball or know anything about it really to enjoy this book. It is a story about friendship. It is a story about understanding each other despite our differences. And it is a story about how we all have something unique to offer it is just a question of seeing it. Mr. Whitener has done an outstanding job with this book and I am so looking forward to the next one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I absolutely adored this coming of age type story. With the storyline centered around a team of Little League boys, it was filled with humor and a myriad of emotions that a tween deals with in his every day life. It had me laughing out loud at times and then occasionally tugging at my heartstrings.

Zack, a 12 year old boy is the main character who befriends a "special" boy, Rafer< who is considered "touched". This relationship with forever change Zack and all his teammates teaching them the value of friendship, relationships, family and their faith in God.

This is one powerful story that will definitely stay with me for a long, long time. I has to be one of my favorites that I read this month, and possibly one of my favorites of all time! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

Written in the first-person narrative from the perspective of Zack, a twelve-year-old baseball-loving boy, this Christian fiction is a pleasurable read. The characters are well written--even the character of Sawdust, Zack's dog, who hangs around the Little League ball field. The twist is Rafer, an autistic boy who doesn't interact socially, but he sure can hit a ball. Rafer blossoms under Zack's kind encouragement.

Zack's best friend is Donnie, the son of the local pastor. At his invitation, Zack attends church service and comes away with many questions. Those questions sound a good deal like the ones most folks ask. The answers make sense.

Set in 1971, in an Alabama small town, anyone who longs for the "good ol' days" will enjoy this read. Lovers of baseball will find it particularly enjoyable, but even those who don't much care for ball (like me) will appreciate the story line. I understand that a movie is being made. What an inspiring film that will be.

Although this is written for adults, I'm giving my copy to my bright, twelve-year-old grandson. He loves reading and baseball; I'm sure that he'll be thrilled!

Thank you to FirstWildCard and Cat Hoort at Kregel Publications for my copy.